Unit 111 using collaborative technologies by hannah sage

Unit 111:

Using Collaborative Technologies

Unit code:

111

Unit reference number:

A/502/4378

QCF level:

Credit value:

Guided learning hours:

Unit summary This unit is about the skills and knowledge to safely use IT tools and devices to work collaboratively by: 

preparing and accessing IT tools and devices, such as web or video conferencing, instant messaging/chat, online phone and video calls; online forums, social networking sites, wikis and other centralised depositories for documents, blogging, RSS and data feeds, bulk SMS or online work management tools.;



playing a responsible and active role in real-time communication; and



contributing relevant information.

Assessment requirements/evidence requirements Evidence of achievement can be derived from a variety of sources. Learners who use their IT skills directly in their day-to-day work can prove their competence whilst doing so. Alternatively learners can use scenarios and knowledge tests — or a mixture of both — to demonstrate competence.

Assessment methodology All ITQ units may be assessed using any method, or combination of methods, which clearly demonstrates that the learning outcomes and assessment criteria have been met. Whilst assessors are required to have a sound understanding of the unit requirements and be able to give appropriate feedback to learners, they do not have to be A1 qualified. However, ideally every assessor should have ITQ Level 3 or equivalent in order to be able to adequately assess at that level and below.

BE034975 – Specification – Edexcel BTEC Entry Level 3 and Level 1 Award, Certificate and Diploma 205 for IT Users (ITQ) (QCF) – Issue 2 – March 2013 © Pearson Education Limited 2013

Learning outcomes and assessment criteria In order to pass this unit, the evidence that the learner presents for assessment needs to demonstrate that they can meet all the learning outcomes for the unit. The assessment criteria determine the standard required to achieve the unit. On completion of this unit a learner should: Learning outcomes

Assessment criteria

1.1 Follow guidelines for working with collaborative technology

Stay safe and secure when using collaborative technology

1.2 Identify risks in using collaborative technology and why it is important to avoid them 1.3 Carry out straightforward checks on others’ online identities and different types of information 1.4 Identify when and how to report online safety and security issues 1.5 Identify what methods are used to promote trust

Set up and access IT tools and devices for collaborative working

2.1 Set up IT tools and devices that will enable you to contribute to collaborative work 2.2 Identify the purpose for using collaborative technologies and expected outcomes 2.3 Identify which collaborative technology tools and devices to use for different communication media 2.4 Identify what terms and conditions apply to using collaborative technologies

Prepare collaborative technologies for use

3.1 Use given details to access collaborative technologies needed for a collaborative task 3.2 Adjust basic settings on collaborative technologies 3.3 Change the environment of collaborative technologies 3.4 Set up and use a data reader to feed information 3.5 Identify what and why permissions are set to allow others to access information

Contribute to tasks using collaborative technologies

4.1 Contribute responsibly and actively to collaborative working 4.2 Contribute to producing and archiving the agreed outcome of collaborative working 4.3 Identify when there is a problem with collaborative technologies and where to get help 4.4 Respond to simple problems with collaborative technologies

206 BE034975 – Specification – Edexcel BTEC Entry Level 3 and Level 1 Award, Certificate and Diploma for IT Users (ITQ) (QCF) – Issue 2 – March 2013 © Pearson Education Limited 2013

Unit content

Stay safe and secure when using collaborative technology Guidelines for using collaborative technology: guidelines set by an organisation or community of interest; guidelines about uses eg security, safety, copyright, plagiarism, libel, confidentiality and data protection Risks when working with collaborative technologies: inappropriate disclosure of personal information, misuse of images, use of inappropriate language, power cuts, data loss Reasons to avoid risks: to respect confidentiality; to avoid conflict; data loss in a power cut Checks on others’ identities and different types of information: compare sources, cross-reference Reporting online safety and security issues: identifying issues; procedures for reporting (guidelines) Methods to promote trust: provide contact information, membership of professional bodies, recommendations/references, links

Set up and access IT tools and devices for collaborative working IT tools and devices: hardware eg mobile, laptop, desktop; peripherals eg headset, handset, microphone, camera, 3G modem; software eg products, services, sites Set up collaborative technologies: connect to another site, check whether both sites are connected Purposes for collaborative working: will vary according to the task, but may include eg sharing, displaying and recording information, discussing and reflecting, establishing identity, joining interest groups, developing ideas, contributing to research Outcomes of collaborative working: measurable eg document, minutes, notes, project plan, transcript; ephemeral eg conversation, agreement Different communication media: text, audio/spoken, still/video/animated images eg web/video conferencing, online forums, wikis, social networking sites, instant messaging, blogging Terms and conditions: will depend on organisational guidelines re safety and security

Prepare collaborative technologies for use Access to collaborative technologies: download software, agree terms and conditions, register or set up an ID Adjust settings: hardware eg colour, type size, window size, volume; browser eg cookies, pop-ups; security settings eg firewall Environment of collaborative technologies: user interface eg choose skins, templates; work environment eg lighting, position of devices Data reader: eg scanner, Permissions: web address, phone number, user name and password, access code; set for security and confidentiality, limiting access to authorised users

BE034975 – Specification – Edexcel BTEC Entry Level 3 and Level 1 Award, Certificate and Diploma 207 for IT Users (ITQ) (QCF) – Issue 2 – March 2013 © Pearson Education Limited 2013

Contribute to tasks using collaborative technologies Contributing responsibly: follow the rules of ‘netiquette’, respect others contributions, avoid dominating and not responding Archiving collaborative outcomes: cut, paste, save Problems with collaborative technologies: routine problems eg settings, software not responding, hardware connections Where to get help: eg user guides, technical manuals, online help, technical staff Respond to problems: follow on screen help, know who to ask for expert help

208 BE034975 – Specification – Edexcel BTEC Entry Level 3 and Level 1 Award, Certificate and Diploma for IT Users (ITQ) (QCF) – Issue 2 – March 2013 © Pearson Education Limited 2013

Essential guidance for tutors

Delivery A practical approach to delivery should be used for this unit enabling learners to develop their technical knowledge and skills. Role-play and the use of different scenarios to practice skills can be used. Much of the assessment evidence is likely to be produced during this process, and centres should consider what other supporting evidence could be collected from other units. This unit can be taught in conjunction with other units, eg Unit E07: Using the Internet, Unit E09: Using Email and Unit E08: Using Mobile IT Devices.

Assessment Where possible an holistic approach to teaching is suggested throughout this qualification. However, this unit has a broad content and could prove difficult to achieve over one set context. The unit can be assessed through various topic areas of interest to the learners. Assessment evidence will primarily come in the form of observations although class discussions, peer assessment and other written work may be effective. It is advised that the learners keep a log of evidence recorded against each assessment criteria. To achieve a pass grade in this unit, learners will need to meet all of the assessment criteria.

Links to National Occupational Standards, other BTEC units, other BTEC qualifications and other relevant units and qualifications This unit forms part of the BTEC in IT sector suite. This unit has particular links with:

Entry Level 3

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Using the Internet

IT Communication Fundamentals

Using the Internet

Using Mobile IT Devices

Using the Internet

Using Mobile IT Devices

Using Email

Using Mobile IT Devices

Using Email

Personal Information Management Software

BE034975 – Specification – Edexcel BTEC Entry Level 3 and Level 1 Award, Certificate and Diploma 209 for IT Users (ITQ) (QCF) – Issue 2 – March 2013 © Pearson Education Limited 2013

This unit maps to some of the underpinning knowledge from the following areas of competence in the Entry Level 3 and Level 1 National Occupational Standards for IT Users: 

Using IT to Find and Exchange Information (UCT: Using Collaborative Technologies).

Essential resources Learners will need access to a range of communication devices as outlined in the unit content.

Indicative resource materials Websites www.bbc.co.uk/schools/teachers/ www.howstuffworks.com www.wilkipedia.com

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Functional Skills — Level 1 Skill

When learners are …

ICT — Using ICT Identify the ICT requirements of a straightforward task

identifying which collaborative technology tools and devices to use for different communication media

Interact with and use ICT systems to meet requirements of a straightforward task in a familiar context

preparing collaborative technologies for use

Manage information storage

contributing to producing and archiving outcomes from collaborative work

Follow and demonstrate understanding of the need for safety and security practices

staying safe and secure when using collaborative technologies

ICT — Finding and selecting information Use search techniques to locate and select relevant information

accessing collaborative technologies needed for a collaborative task

Select information from a variety of ICT sources for a straightforward task

identifying the terms and conditions which apply to using collaborative technologies

ICT — Developing, presenting and communicating information Use appropriate software to meet requirements of straightforward data-handling task

adjusting basic settings on collaborative technologies

Use communications software to meet requirements of a straightforward task

setting up IT tools and devices to contribute to collaborative work

BE034975 – Specification – Edexcel BTEC Entry Level 3 and Level 1 Award, Certificate and Diploma 211 for IT Users (ITQ) (QCF) – Issue 2 – March 2013 © Pearson Education Limited 2013